How and when to take or use ciprofloxacin

The way you take your medicine is determined by the type of ciprofloxacin you're taking or using. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Dosage and strength of ciprofloxacin tablets and liquid

Ciprofloxacin is available in different strengths. It comes as:

• 100mg, 250mg, 500mg, and 750mg tablets
• a liquid that contains 250mg in 5ml

Ciprofloxacin tablets or liquid are typically taken twice daily at a dose of 250mg to 750mg. For some infections, you may only require a single dose.

Children and people with kidney problems are usually given lower doses.

Dosage for ciprofloxacin eye drops

The usual dose is 1 or 2 drops into the affected eye 4 times a day.

Dosage for ciprofloxacin ear drops
You'll usually use up to 5 drops, twice a day.

How to take or use it

Ciprofloxacin tablets and liquid can be taken with or without food. However, dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt should be avoided because they can interfere with how your medicine works.

Taking ciprofloxacin tablets

Swallow the tablets whole with lots of water. Do not chew them.

Taking ciprofloxacin liquid

Ciprofloxacin liquid comes in two bottles, one with granules and one with liquid.

1. Fill the larger bottle halfway with granules. No water should be added to the liquid.
2. Shake the larger bottle with the liquid and granules for about 15 seconds.
3. Measure your dose after opening the bottle.

Always use the provided plastic syringe or spoon to help you take the correct amount. If you don't have one, you can get one from your pharmacist. A kitchen teaspoon will not accurately measure the amount.

Using ciprofloxacin eye drops

1 or 2 drops are usually placed in the affected eye 4 times per day.
In the case of severe infections, your doctor may advise you to use the drops every 15 minutes for the first 6 hours. You can then use it less frequently.

1. Wash your hands.
2. Gently pull down your lower eyelid and tilt your head back.
3. Hold the bottle over your eye and allow a single drop to fall into the space between your lower lid and your eye.
4. Put in a second drop if you have been told to.
   

Using ciprofloxacin eardrops

Ciprofloxacin ear drops are available in single-dose or 5ml bottles. When using single-dose ciprofloxacin, use one container for one dose.

1. Hold the container or bottle in your hands for a few minutes to warm the drops.
2. Wash your hands before using.
3. Tilt your head and bring the container or bottle up to the affected ear, and open the end near the ear hole.
4. Place the drops in your ear.
5. If possible, rest for at least 5 minutes afterward.
6. If you are only treating one ear, tilt your head to one side so that the affected ear is facing the ceiling.

Do not touch your ear with the dropper as this may spread the infection.

Put up to 5 drops into the affected ear twice a day, or as directed by your doctor. Use 4 drops for each dose if using ear drops from a 5ml bottle.

How long to take or use it for

Ciprofloxacin is typically taken or used for a week or two. For some infections, you may only need to take or use it for a day, while others may require up to three months.

Your doctor will advise you on how long you should take or use ciprofloxacin.

It is critical that you continue to take or use ciprofloxacin until your course is completed. Even if you feel better, do this.

If you discontinue treatment too soon, the infection may reoccur. It also provides any remaining bacteria with the opportunity to change or adapt so that they are no longer affected by the antibiotic. This is referred to as antibiotic resistance.

If you forget to take or use it

If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless your next dose is approaching. Simply skip the missed dose and take your next one at the regular time.

Make sure you finish your antibiotic course. Do not take two doses to compensate for a missed dose.

If you frequently forget to take your medication, setting an alarm may help. You could also seek advice from your pharmacist on alternative methods of remembering your medications.

If you take or use too much

If you use eye or ear drops, don't be concerned if you use a little too much. This usually does not cause any issues.

If you take more than the recommended dose of the tablets or liquid, you may experience side effects. Feeling or being sick (nausea or vomiting), diarrhea, and a pounding or irregular heartbeat are examples. If you have epilepsy, you may experience seizures or fits.

Urgent advice:

• If you need help right away, dial 111.
• your child exceeds the recommended ciprofloxacin dose
• you take 2 extra ciprofloxacin doses or more
• you took more ciprofloxacin than prescribed and are experiencing side effects

Visit 111.nhs.uk or dial 111. If you have a question about a child under the age of five, dial 111.

Do not drive yourself to A&E if you need to go. Request a ride from someone else or call an ambulance.

Carry the medicine packet or leaflet, as well as any remaining medication, with you.